1(7)-P-menthen-9-al

Abstract

1(7)-p-Methen-9-al, a novel terpene aldehyde, possesses useful organoleptic properties and develops bitter, herbal and aromatic perfume notes. In the field of flavors, 1(7)-p-menthen-9-al develops flowery, herbal and fatty characters reminiscent of certain aspects of the flavor of nuts or cumin.

What we claim is: 
     
       1. 1(7)-p-Menthen-9-al of formula ##STR5## 
     
     
       2. A process for the preparation of 1(7)-p-menthen-9-al according to claim 1, which comprises: (a) treating 7,8-dihydroxy-p-menthane with acetic anhydride to give 7-acetoxy-8-hydroxy-p-menthane;   (b) dehydrating the obtained compound with alumina to yield 7-acetoxy-8-p-menthane;   (c) epoxydizing this latter compound with a peracid to give 7-acetoxy-8,9-epoxy-p-menthane, and   (d) subjecting the said epoxyde to a thermal treatment at a temperature between 450° and 550° C. to give a pyrolysate essentially consisting of the desired 1(7)-p-menthen-9-al.